In response to further questioning the Prime Minister refined his position, saying: "‘Look, if directly called upon to embark on an adventure I would probably go. You have to look at the specifics. If I were to be accompanied by Gandalf himself and any high elves then probably, yes, but if it was going to just be some dwarves and a bunch of hobbits then that would not be a high priority quest for me."

U-turn? Just shoot it in the head and bury it in an unmarked grave -- it just strikes me as stupid and rather dangerous, considering how much time we spend bitching and moaning that politicians never listen...